With AiL you can relax while doing a language study trip!

Our expertise and passion are just as important as academic preparation, as our teachers are supposed to not only explain to you how the Spanish language work, but also get you enthusiastic about it.

Yolanda Rodríguez, AiL´s director, taught her mother tongue for years in Germany, where she eventually developed such a profound love to this language and her students that she looks for these traits in other teachers. Our teachers experience is a priority as well, of course, because we know that you want to get the most out of your stay.

The initials “AiL” stand for Academia Intercultural de Lenguas (Intercultural Academy for Languages); it was founded by Yolanda Rodríguez in 2002 in Alajuela, Costa Rica´s second largest city. The goal was very clear from the start: through the promotion of the Spanish language, as well as the organization of intercultural programs, we try to bring closer the understanding, the tolerance and the passion of world´s different cultures to those who already love Latin-America and especially Costa Rica. AiL is a 10-year-old family business, in which we work on expanding students´ and professionals´ Know-How, as well as for them to experience a different culture.

Teachers and Staff

AiL was founded in 2002 by owner Yolanda Rodríguez.

Yolanda Rodríguez

She studied Business Administration at UCR (Universidad de Costa Rica) and was given a OAS scholarship to continue her studies in Panama. After moving to Germany in her late 20´s and living there for over 20 years, she specialized in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Yolanda taught at various Technical Universities in Germany, as well as the BASF. Taking into account her CV, she developed a deep passion for cultures all over the world. She has dedicated her last 10 years to the development of programs in Costa Rica, which have focused on High School Exchange, as well as volunteer projects for the conservations of biodiversity.

Marcela Pott

is daughter of a German father and a Costa Rican mother; she was born and raised in Germany and moved to Costa Rica after turning 15. After getting the Costa Rican and German High School degree at the Humboldt School, she studied PR at UACA (Univesidad Autónoma de Centro América) and finished her studies with a Master´s degree in Communications at the Universidad Latina. Partly because of both her nationalities, partly because of always having been in touch with her mother´s (Yolanda´s) work, she as well developed a great respect and love for cultures, which she is able to pour into her work at AiL since 2011.

Yolanda Rodríguez, director of AiL

Marcela Pott

Our location

Academia Intercultural de LenguasThe AiL Language School is located in a rural area on the way to Poás Volcano: 1.5 miles from Bar La Veranera, Sabanilla de Alajuela, Costa Rica.Our office hours are:Monday-Thursday: 8 am to 5 pmFridays: 8 am to 12 pm

Map

Partners

AiL has been working for many years with a number of organizations in Europe and North America (USA and Canada), who do not only believe, but also trust in our work and dedication.

Our partners are:

Why choose AiL

Maybe you are asking yourself why ideal the right choice for learning or improving Spanish and having a real Costa Rican cultural experience…

Here are some of the reasons:

By carefully selecting our teaching staff we don´t only pay attention to their degrees, but also to their ability to impart the language by promoting the most important skills, such as speaking, reading and listening

AiL has its own workbook, which has been updated with everyday Latin American situations and expressions and complimented with current texts about present-day happenings, so you can get the whole picture on our society and be able to exchange views and experiences with other Latin Americans

Since the AiL language school is located in a rural area, the world here is still ok; people are authentic Costa Ricans, they are friendly and happy to converge with foreigners.

We are 15 minutes away from Juan Santamaría International Airport and 10 minutes from Downtown Alajuela.

Our coworkers cultivate a special love for languages and cultures from all over the world; they are interested in making new experiences and passing on our own culture.

We also have a huge advantage in terms of security; since we are located in a rural area, you can feel safe and walk carefree on the streets.

Adaptability: You may start your Spanish course at any time and determine its length. You may also combine group lessons with individual classes.

We are here for you 24/7; whether you are still receiving lessons at the AiL Language School or you are already travelling through the country; we are always at your disposal.

Transportation: we have been working with Transmiva for 10 years; they have provided us with modern tour busses and responsible drivers, with whom we can travel safe and sound.

We are the only language school, which offers you the opportunity to participate in an excursion in a private tour bus to Panama in May or to Nicaragua in October of every year.

As of February 2014 we will be offering Spanish courses in Manuel Antonio.

Who can become an AiL language student?

Vacationers, who would like to do something productive during their time off and are looking for another kind of vacation

Students, who would like to take advantage of their break to study for their classes ahead

Senior citizens, who are interested in learning something new

Kids under 18, who have fun learning a new language and discovering a new world